Toddler Physical Activity

Many children less than 5 years of age fail to meet the physical activity CDC guide of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day​. 

Sedentary activity for young children has been shown to range from 32.8 to 56.3 minutes per hour. 

Some research indicated that 2 to 5-year-olds should engage in 2 or more hours per day of physical activity. 

Parents had the misconception that because toddlers seem so busy and active, they do not need dedicated time for physical activity. 

Parents expressed a desire for children to be more still, not more active. 

At the same time, parents saw value in focusing time on physical activity and wanted ieas and strategies for age-appropriate activity. ​

A knowledge gap exists about need for toddlers to be active. Educate parents that even busy toddlers need to develop large motor skills and foster coordination, and this is accomplished through active play. 

Share developmentally appropriate strategies for active play time. 

Encourage physically active family activities. Discuss ways to make it part of the daily routine. 

Encourage both structured and unstructured play. 

Counsel parents on the excessive use of strollers. ​

What kind of activities does your toddler enjoy? 

What do you enjoy doing with your toddler?

Can you tell me about outdoor play spaces that are available for you and your toddler?

What types of activities are available to your toddler in childcare?

Can you tell me more about the quiet activites your toddler likes?​

HALF Message(s):
Because they are so naturally active, it's easy to overlook the fact that toddlers need daily physical activity - just like you do! Toddlers need time every day to run, climb, and jump. 

Good habits start early in life, so make play time active time. 

HALF Resources: 
For realistic parent derived strategies for active play, refer parents to the following sections on HealthyChildren.org/growinghealthy: 

• Quick Tipes: Keep Your Child Healthy widget. Simply select Physical Activity to generate the results.
• Physical Activity for Toddlers​

Also take advantage of the HealthyGrowth app to create personalized patient education for your patient. 

61 percent of of children younger than 2 are exposed to television and spend approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes a day in this activity​.

30 percent of children aged 0 to 3 have televisions in their bedroom

In children aed 2-5, exposure to more than 2 hours per day of television significantly increases their risk for obesity. 

Televisions in children's bedrooms increase the impact of television on weight status. 

Parents often place televisions in bedrooms because they believe it will help the child sleep. 

TV was viewed as educational, and almost like "preschool" at home. 

Screen time was also viewed as down time or break time (a way tokeep the child still and safe while a parent can get things done). 

Any messages to avoid TV and other educational games via smart phones, tablets, computers, etc., need to be realistic. ​

It is important to ascertain current family values around TV and offer alternatives to TV time. ​

Remind parents that one of the best ways for children to learn is through play and human interaction. 

Also discuss the importance of sleerp routines and that TV can actually disrupt healthy sleep. 

For this age group, help parents identify strategies to limit:

• the amount of TV watched​
• exposure to advertisements

Caution against: 

• placing a TV in their child's bedroom
• replacing TV time with screen time (smart phones/tablets/computer)

Explain that setting limits now regarding screen time establishes expectations about screen use that can carry forward and help to eliminate negotiations and battles as children grow. 

Can you tell me about your toddler and TV watching​? 

Can you tell what programs your toddler is watching?

Did you know that commercials are a link between TV watching, weight gain, and unhealthy eating habits?

Would you like to talk about ways to reduce exposure to commercials?

Many parents think TVs in the bedroom are a good thing. how do you feel about it? 

Does your child enjoy computer time or play on your phone or tablet? 

HALF Message(s): 
We understand that managing your kids' TV time can be a struggle. Even if you can't cut out TV completely, cutting back on TV will help. 

HALF Resources: 
For realistic parent derived strategies for managing screen time refer parents to the following sections on healthychildren.org/growinghealthy: 

• Quick Tips: Keep Your Child Healthy widget. Simply select Screen Time to generate the reults.
• Physical Activity for Toddlers

Also take advantage of the HealthyGrowth app​ to create personalized patient education for your patient. ​